Eagles, Tigers gun for share of UAAP lead

Von Pessumal. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Veteran Ateneo guard Von Pessumal thinks he has regained his shooting form after a week of lackluster play.

So Pessumal hopes his renewed confidence rubs on the rest of his teammates when the Blue Eagles and the University of Santo Tomas Tigers clash in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The winner of the 4 p.m. match will join idle Far Eastern University on top at 4-1.

“I’m delighted where we are right now, but we have much to do,” said Ateneo coach Bo Perasol, after the Eagles strung up three consecutive victories. “I believe we can do better.”

Defending champion National University, also back in fighting form after two straight wins, battles University of the Philippines in the first game at 2 p.m.

Pessumal aims to build on his impressive performance of 21 points, 18 from three-point range, in the Eagles’ 77-72 tripping of University of the East last week.

“I had my worst shooting performance in the first three games of this season,” said Pessumal. “But I stayed confident, I just kept working.”

The Eagles face a Tigers side reeling from a narrow 54-55 first loss against the Bulldogs —after a surprise 3-0 start. With a report from Jun Veloira